A Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, Straight Out of Navy Town (SONT), on Saturday organised an awareness programme on drug abuse for students and parents as part of activities to commemorate Easter.

Ayodeji Ogunyemi, general coordinator of SONT, said the awareness had become imperative because of the increased rate at which society had descended into drug use.

Mr Ogunyemi said the SONT well-being and substance abuse programme was organised during the Easter holiday to encourage students and parents to attend.

“So, we looked at the problem of substance abuse in society and how the future is being gambled with by getting involved in drug abuse. The society has been seriously ravaged by substance abuse, and young, productive minds are drifting away because of this bad habit they picked up,” he said.

“We hope that with Christ’s resurrection this Easter, a new leaf of life will be turned in the hearts of the people we speak to.”
Mr Ogunyemi said the group visited schools, churches and mosques in Navy Town, hoping that the season would bring about a positive change.

He encouraged parents to be vigilant and always observe their children to ensure they are not influenced by peer pressure.
“Parents should not be afraid of approaching this matter because society will negatively impact them if they do not carry out their responsibilities,” he said.

“From experience, some parents tend to shy away from talking about it, even when they know their kids are involved, because they do not want the stigma of society. So, we encourage parents to keep addressing these issues, keep talking and enlightening their children because without this enlightenment, these children will stray away.”
The coordinator said the association would involve the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) of the various schools in the area as a follow-up to propagate its message.